Here's a piece of music news I missed in the pre-holiday scramble. Glen Phillips, the songwriter known for his work with the band Toad the Wet Sprocket, will play Norfolk April 4. His set will kick off this year's Sea Level music festival.

In related news, the Sea Level festival's Emerging Artist contest is accepting entries. Songwriters are invited to submit samples of their work to be judged.

"Entries can be professional recordings or a demo tape made at home," a news release explained. "Submissions will be judged on content, rather than recording quality to determine who makes the final cut."

To qualify, contestants must:

1. Live within 100 miles of Norfolk and have never released a full-length album

2. Upload two original songs as MP3 files

3. Submit entry fee by March 15

The top ten contestants, as chosen by a panel of judges, will be invited to perform live at the event's finals in Norfolk.